HSBC customers have been unable to access the bank’s services this afternoon following a systems failure. The problem began around 2.45pm this afternoon and left users unable to access cash machines and card payment systems.
Shortly before 5.00pm this evening, HSBC’s UK Twitter feed confirmed that services had been restored.
"ATMs should now be back on," read one tweet, followed by: "Card terminals and internet banking should now be back on. Sorry and thanks again for bearing with us."
Earlier users on Twitter began reporting that cash machines and card payment systems were rejecting HSBC cards, while the bank’s telephone and Internet banking services also appeared to be down. Attempts by CBR to access HSBC’s online services were met with a "Please try again later" message.
HSBC’s official UK Twitter feed has posted a short note on the reports: "We are aware of some problems affecting our services. We are looking into them. Follow this account for updates when available."
A second message read: We are aware of some problems and are looking into them as a matter of priority. Follow this account for updates when they are available.
"#HSBC are currently experiencing technical issue with online, telephone and cash point banking. Cards are also being declined. It’s global!!" wrote one Twitter user.
"Yup, HSBC is deffo down. Just tried to buy food at the local Tesco over chip and pin, followed by trying to withdraw cash.#HSBC#crash," said another.
"Both my #HSBC cards were declined, couldn’t get cash out or get online banking. I have money. this is frustrating and embarrassing," added another Twitter user.
An issue with HSBC’s mainframe in 2010 was blamed for a similar outage, which left customers unable to access ATMs or online banking services.
